Match Preview

LA Galaxy take on Toronto FC late on Saturday night as third in the West take on third in the East in what should be a gripping contest.

The Galaxy come into the game off the back of their 1-0 US Open Cup win against rivals San Jose on Wednesday night, obtaining immediate revenge for their 3-1 Californian Clasico loss to the Earthquakes last weekend.

That loss at Stanford Stadium ended the Galaxy’s two-game win streak in which they had netted five goals in wins over both the Philadelphia Union and the Portland Timbers.

They will hope a return to StubHub Center will see them earn another three points as they look to close the four point gap on the Vancouver Whitecaps at the top of the Western Conference.

That will be tough against a Toronto side that have only lost one of their last seven MLS games. They come into the game off the back of a 0-0 draw against Supporters’ Shield leaders DC United last weekend and look in good shape.

They beat DC 2-1 in their last road trip and will hope to extend their unbeaten away streak to five games in Los Angeles this week.

This will be the only meeting between the two this year in the regular season, but LA will be the more confident based on recent form as they’ve won the last two games at StubHub, scoring seven goals and conceding just two.

Team News

LA Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Perk is out for the season, while Todd Dunivant is still expected to be out. Alan Gordon is suspended and Omar Gonzalez will be away with the USMNT along with Gyasi Zardes. Robbie Keane will lead the line.

Toronto FC have concerns over Clement Simonin and Steven Caldwell, who are both ruled out, while Mark Bloom and Benoit Cheyrou are doubts. Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore will be away with the USMNT ahead of the Gold Cup.

Key Points

LA Galaxy’s last five: L/D/W/W/L

Toronto FC’s last five: W/W/L/W/D

Key Stat: Toronto FC have not beaten LA Galaxy in a league game since 2008. LA have won four of the nine games since.

Key Player: Sebastian Giovinco – Impossible to overlook the Atomic Ant. He has been incredible for Toronto this season and will be tasked with trying to inspire his teammates to victory once more here.

Score Prediction

LA Galaxy 2-2 Toronto FC – Both sides will have to deal without star men who are away on international duty and that will affect both teams. There should be goals in this but it’s too difficult to split the sides on paper so a score draw is the most likely result.